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Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INSPYR Solutions

3D Artist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: 3D Artist Location: Remote US Duration: 8 months + Extensions Compensation: $50-80/hr Work ... Hard Surface Modeling: * Model assets with a focus on accuracy and realism. * Maintain clean ...

Collabera

Graphics Technician

Rapid City, SD

Job duties include, but not limited to, 3D Hard Surface Modeling, 3D model optimization, Texture creation, UV Mapping, Rigging, Animating, and Rendering. He /She should be knowing any 3DS knowledge.

LF Studios

Animatronic Digital Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Performing hard and soft surface modeling within ZBrush. Requirements: * Applicant must have experience with product development and design, 3D modeling, and design thinking. * Experience with ZBrush ...

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Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling information

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$39.5K

$78.5K

$124.5K

How much do summer 3d hard surface modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer 3d hard surface modeling in the United States is $78,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Summer 3D Hard Surface Modelers, and how can they be overcome?

Summer 3D Hard Surface Modelers often face tight project deadlines and the need to quickly adapt to different design styles or software workflows. Balancing high-quality modeling with efficiency can be challenging, particularly when collaborating with larger art teams or integrating assets into ongoing projects. To succeed, it's helpful to proactively seek feedback, remain flexible with workflow changes, and consistently communicate with supervisors and peers. Developing a strong understanding of the studio’s preferred modeling pipeline and asset management systems can also help streamline your work and reduce revision cycles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeler, you need proficiency in 3D modeling principles, a strong portfolio demonstrating hard surface assets, and relevant education or coursework in digital art or 3D design. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and sometimes experience with game engines like Unreal or Unity, is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving and communication skills help you stand out in collaborative, fast-paced project environments. These skills and qualities ensure efficient production of high-quality models that meet technical and artistic requirements for visual media projects.

What is the difference between Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling vs Summer 3D Character Modeling?

AspectSummer 3D Hard Surface ModelingSummer 3D Character Modeling
Skills & ToolsFocus on creating mechanical, architectural, and industrial objects using software like Maya, 3ds Max, or BlenderFocus on creating realistic or stylized human or creature characters, often using ZBrush, Maya, or Blender
Work EnvironmentTypically in game, film, or product design industriesPrimarily in gaming, animation, and film industries
CredentialsPortfolio demonstrating hard surface assets, proficiency in modeling softwarePortfolio with character models, anatomy knowledge, and sculpting skills

Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling and Summer 3D Character Modeling share common 3D software skills but differ in focus: hard surface emphasizes mechanical and industrial objects, while character modeling centers on organic forms. Both roles are vital in entertainment and design industries, requiring strong portfolios and technical proficiency.

What is a Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling job?

A Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling job typically refers to a temporary, internship, or seasonal position where individuals create digital models of rigid, non-organic objects such as vehicles, machinery, architecture, and props for video games, films, or product visualization. Hard surface modeling focuses on objects with defined edges and surfaces, as opposed to organic modeling, which deals with living creatures. Summer positions often provide students or entry-level artists with hands-on experience, exposure to industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, and opportunities to collaborate with professional teams.
What cities are hiring for Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs? Cities with the most Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs? The most popular types of 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs are:
What states have the most Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs include:
Summer 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs near you
3D Artist

3D Artist

INSPYR Solutions

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title: 3D Artist
Location: Remote US
Duration: 8 months + Extensions
Compensation: $50-80/hr
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.
HOW WE WORK
Our team is at the intersection between product and marketing, where a tremendous opportunity lies. We inspire through storytelling and enable through product. Our work takes shape through partnerships with product and marketing teams, helping them solve their people problems while achieving our brand goals. We're dedicated to our quest that bridges the gap between marketing and product to create in-product brand expressions.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
We are seeking a talented 3D Artist who can move fluidly between the worlds of product and marketing to bring the two closer together. This person will partner with design teams, marketers, and product teams to create hard surface modeling for industrial design assets. The ideal candidate excels in creating precise, visually compelling models of product-based objects, optimized for real-time applications. Expertise in retopology, UV creation, and texture baking is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Hard Surface Modeling:
  • Model assets with a focus on accuracy and realism.
  • Maintain clean geometry and edge flow suitable for real-time rendering.
  • Retopology:
  • Optimize high-poly hard surface models into low-poly meshes for real-time use.
  • Ensure models meet technical requirements for polygon count, edge flow, and UV layout.
  • UV Creation:
  • Unwrap and layout UVs for hard surface assets, ensuring efficient use of texture space and minimal distortion.
  • Organize UV islands for optimal texture baking and real-time performance.
  • Texturing & Baking:
  • Bake high-quality textures from high-poly to low-poly assets.
  • Author PBR textures using industry-standard tools (e.g., Substance Painter, Designer, Photoshop).
  • Basic Rigging:
  • Set up simple skeletons and controls for hard surface assets to enable basic animation and posing.
  • Real-Time Optimization:
  • Balance visual fidelity with performance constraints for real-time engines
  • Implement best practices for LODs, texture atlases, and efficient material usage.
  • Work closely with technical artists, product visualization designers, producers, product marketers, product managers, and engineers to ensure assets integrate seamlessly into production pipelines.
  • Work cross-functionally, balancing the needs of stakeholders and breaking down complex narratives into simple, compelling ideas
  • Lead the 3D asset production from rendering models to launch in collaboration with technical artists, product visualization designers, producers, product marketers, product managers, and engineers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years experience in hard surface modeling, retopology, UV creation, and texture baking
  • Demonstrated experience in marketing, product and design
  • Portfolio features demonstrating hard surface models, advanced UV layouts, high-fidelity baked textures
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling software (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya).
  • Advanced knowledge of retopology, UV unwrapping, and texture baking tools.
  • Strong understanding of PBR materials and workflows.
  • Strong understanding of real-time rendering constraints and optimization techniques.
  • Basic rigging skills for hard surface assets.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years of experience producing interactive assets for marketing, promotional, or showcase purposes.
  • Experience with mobile platforms or AR/VR
  • Experience with GLB/USDZ file formats
  • Proficient using AI tooling to improve efficiency of the asset production process

About INSPYR Solutions
Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com.
INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Information collected and processed through your application with INSPYR Solutions (including any job applications you choose to submit) is subject to INSPYR Solutions' Privacy Policy and INSPYR Solutions' AI and Automated Employment Decision Tool Policy: https://www.inspyrsolutions.com/policies/ . By submitting an application, you are consenting to being contacted by INSPYR Solutions through phone, email, or text.
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